President's Sales Club applications, now online

The 2008 PSC applications are now online. Entries must be postmarked by July 21, to be accepted. Transactions claimed must have been closed between July 1, 2007 and June 30, 2008. There are three application forms, 60, 140, 220 transactions respectively. Get rules and applications.

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Inducements, referral fees

The Ohio Association of REALTORS Legal Assistance Hotline often receives questions from REALTORS regarding the legality of offering inducements, referral fees or gifts. These issues are not only regulated by Ohio's licensing laws but may also involve federal regulations, such as RESPA or provisions of NAR's Code of Ethics.

The Ohio Association of REALTORS is currently developing a White Paper to assist REALTORS in addressing these issues.

The following are some of the questions REALTORS have asked regarding offering inducements. Look for an in-depth review of inducements, referral fees and gifts in OAR's upcoming White Paper available this summer online at OAR's Web site. View: Inducements, referral fees, gifts regulated by State law, federal RESPA regs and REALTOR Code of Ethics.

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Get the why behind Gen Y

Separate fact from fiction with this exclusive new research...The Creative Group has partnered with Yahoo! HotJobs to bring you the "why" behind Generation Y. It's new white paper: What Millennial Workers Want: How to Attract and Retain Gen Y Employees will help your company better understand this sizable generation that's making its way into the workforce. Find out more about this new generation of creative recruits, including:

• What attracts and motivates Gen Y workers
  
• Generation Y priorities and mindset
  
• Tips and strategies to position your company as an employer of choice for this generation.

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OAR Spring Conference

Nearly 400 REALTORS converged in Columbus for three days in late April...striving to improve the real estate industry and the Ohio Association of REALTORS.

Read the latest DVP Newsletter.

See more pictures of the RPAC Fundraising party!

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CEO Blog...

This weeks message from OAR's Chief Executive Officer Don Freels talks about Governor Ted Strickland's plea during the March OAR Legislative Conference for Ohio REALTORS to support his plan to stimulate Ohio's economy and create thousands of new jobs in our state. After changing his plan to make it acceptable to the Republican majority in the legislature the Governor now has OAR's support as well.

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Overview of upcoming NAR Mid-Year/Legislative Conference

Dick Gaylord, president of the National Association of REALTORS provides an overview of business items to come before the NAR Board of Directors at the upcoming Midyear Meetings in Washington, D.C.

Dear Fellow REALTORS:

NAR's Midyear Legislative Meetings & Trade Expo in Washington, D.C., are just a couple of weeks away. To help you prepare, I have recorded a video outlining key issues that you will be asked to consider leading up to the Board of Directors Meeting on Saturday, May 17, 2008. Specifically, the video provides a summary of the following items:

• Election Forum and Recommendations
  
• 2009-2010 Operating and Capital Budgets
  
• 2009-2010 Special Assessment for NAR's Public Awareness Campaign
  
• Clarifications to NAR's Board of Choice Policy
  
• Update on the Real Estate "Gateway" Initiative
  

Please take a few minutes before you travel to watch this important video. You also can listen to an audio version and read related background materials on our Web site--www.realtor.org/midyear08keyissues. Additionally, you will receive a DVD and the bulleted summary sheet in the mail in a few days.

On behalf of the entire 2008 NAR Leadership Team, I thank you for your contributions to the REALTOR organization. We have made remarkable progress this year. Working "All Together," I believe we can shape another century of outstanding success for our members, communities and all those we serve.

I look forward to seeing you in Washington, D.C. very soon!

Sincerely, Dick Gaylord

The NAR Midyear Legislative Meetings & Trade Expo committee meeting agendas are now available online as well.

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Federal issues updates

Tax Credit, FHA Reform Top Agenda...REALTORS from around the country will be seeking passage of a homeownership tax credit to help boost the economy when they meet with their members of Congress during the 2008 NAR Midyear Legislative Conference & Trade Expo in Washington in May. Other priorities for REALTORS during their visits to Capitol Hill include a modernized FHA, a new regulatory structure for secondary mortgage market companies Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, and affordable healthcare options for small businesses. Flood and property casualty insurance are also on the agenda. Get talking points on these top legislative issues online.

Bill Would Extend Leasehold Improvement...Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus (D-Mont.) has introduced an alternative minimum tax bill, S. 2886, that includes provisions to extend a host of expiring tax provisions, including the 15-year cost recovery period for leasehold improvements. Baucus has said he wants to move the bill before August.

Bills Aim to Help Servicers Modify Bad Loans...The House Financial Services Committee this week passed NAR-backed bills on the housing crisis. The "Emergency Mortgage Loan Modification Act of 2008," H.R. 5579, would provide a safe harbor for loan servicers who undertake mortgage restructuring. The "Neighborhood Stabilization Act of 2008," H.R. 5818, would provide $15 billion in grants and loans to states to purchase foreclosed homes. The Committee also began looking at the "FHA Housing Stabilization and Homeownership Retention Act of 2008," HR 5830, which would create a voluntary program for loan servicers to dramatically write down the value of a mortgage in return for FHA refinancing. Some of the bills could be included in a housing stimulus package being crafted by the House leadership..

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Buyer can rescind contract over non-disclosure

The Interstate Land Sales Full Disclosure Act allows a buyer to cancel a purchase contract with a developer because the developer failed to comply with all of the Act's disclosure requirements, the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida ruled. The buyer argued that the developer failed to disclose a description of the property and a date for when the purchaser's deposit would be returned in the event of a breach.
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Save with OfficeMax

OfficeMax...Receive a 50% discount on color and black & white print services. A 40% to 80% discount is also available on selected office products.
For more information and to access your OfficeMax Retail Connect Card, click here.

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Tech Tips

Education

Two Appraisal Courses coming in May...On May 20 & 21, The Ohio Association of REALTORS will hold Appraising The Tough Ones and Appraising for FHA concurrently in Columbus. Seven hours of c.e. are available each day. Discounts are available by taking both courses. Sign-up today...

Keep up on this ever-changing industry...This year's Updates, held in your area this June, will focus on recent court rulings, new laws that affect your business and more importantly, the economy. Plus you'll earn three hours of continuing education credit! Register today.

NEW from RECampus...

• Satisfy your entire 30 hour c.e. package
  
• 70 years of age or older: 9 hour c.e. package requirement
  
• 9 hour c.e. package fulfills core c.e. requirement

Register today...

30 hours online...Take your real estate continuing education hours online. You can take 3, 6 or all 30 hours in any combination...Sign-up today...

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